Friends recall Michael Durkin, noted Stark and Carroll investigator

Those who are still grasping with the loss of Michael Durkin said he was the best of the best when it came to criminal investigation work.

Ed Balint CantonRep.com staff writer @ebalintREP

Michael Durkin, a beloved and respected investigator, died Sunday morning from an apparent heart attack.

Durkin was the clerk of court and chief probation officer for Carroll County Municipal Court. But the 57-year-old also spent decades working as an investigator for defense attorneys both in Stark County and outside the area.

Local defense attorney Jeffrey Jakmides said he's lost both a close friend and invaluable investigator.

The connections he had to the area were as varied as his knowledge of the criminal justice system. Growing up in Stark County, he was a product of Hoover High School and Walsh University and worked with an array of attorneys and judges locally.

Most recently he worked for Carroll County Municipal Court Judge Gary Willen. He also had worked for Alliance Municipal Court Judge Robert Lavery.

"He was the best, no question about it," Willen said. "... He was brilliant in analyzing a case and the way the facts fit."

Durkin also was heavily involved with the Anti-Drug Coalition of Carroll County.

He had what Jakmides calls his "charm."

"Mike had a way with people," the attorney said. "He was able to get people to talk to him in very difficult circumstances."

Added Jakmides, "I never had a case where Mike didn't come up with something that helped me in the case," noting they worked on 10 to 12 death penalty cases together in Stark and other counties.

The respect for Durkin's work cut across political affiliations, Jakmides said. He also worked as a private investigator.

The veteran attorney also knew a more casual side of the man. They would watch baseball games together. He came over for dinner, savoring stromboli made by Jakmides' wife.

Durkin also was the father of an adult son and daughter. And he cherished the time he spent with his granddaughter.

The lives he touched were many.

"His family has lost a great father and a grandfather," Willen said. "I've lost a great friend and Carroll County has certainly lost a great asset."